The first example of asymmetric hydrogenation of imines with Co2(CO)8/(R)-BINAP as catalytic precursor

The first example of asymmetric hydrogenation of imines using Co2(CO)8/(R)-BINAP/H2/CO system was developed. The reaction conditions were screened with a wide range of N-aryl benzophenone ketimines, obtaining products with excellent yields and good enantiomeric excess. Moreover, a pathway is suggested based on the isolation and characterization of several catalyst intermediates.

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► The first example of catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of imine with Co2(CO)8-BINAP.
► Excellent yields of secondary amines were obtained.
► Good enantiomeric excess was found.
► A reaction pathway was suggested.